Wollongong shopping centre tweak

GPT has flagged plans to scale back the Market Street entrance of its $200 million Wollongong CBD shopping centre development, outlining a more "modest" design approach for the northern entry.

Documents lodged with NSW Planning show developer GPT plans to lop six metres off the height of the Market Street facade, instead using a single high element to link to the adjoining Tarrants building.

"This makes the facade height more compatible with the different heights of the adjoining buildings and more in keeping with the existing character of the streetscape," GPT's request to NSW Planning said.

GPT said the new plans would create "minimal environmental impact" and remain identifiable as the vehicle and pedestrian entrance tunnel for the Wollongong Central retail extension, making it "worthy of support" from the planning department.

This is the seventh modification the company has requested for the site since April 2008. Others included tweaks to the design of the Crown Lane and Crown Street intersection and an extension to construction hours for the centre's internal fit-out.